Bicycle operating device

ABSTRACT

A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a brake operating lever, an additional operating lever, an electrical switch, and a wireless communication unit. The brake operating lever is pivotally coupled to the base member in a first direction. The additional operating lever is pivotally coupled to one of the base member and the brake operating lever in a second direction and in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction. The electrical switch is to provide an electric signal in response to a movement of the additional operating lever in the third direction. The electrical switch is disposed at the base member. The wireless communication unit is connected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle operating device.

Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned isan operating device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycleoperating device comprises a base member, a brake operating lever, anadditional operating lever, an electrical switch, and a wirelesscommunication unit. The brake operating lever is pivotally coupled tothe base member in a first direction. The additional operating lever ispivotally coupled to one of the base member and the brake operatinglever in a second direction and in a third direction different from thefirst direction and the second direction. The electrical switch is toprovide an electric signal in response to a movement of the additionaloperating lever in the third direction. The electrical switch isdisposed at the base member. The wireless communication unit isconnected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal basedon the electric signal.

With the bicycle operating device according to the first aspect, sincethe electrical switch is disposed at the base member, it is possible tosimplify structures of the brake operating lever and the additionaloperating lever compared with a case where the electrical switch isdisposed at one of the brake operating lever and the additionaloperating lever. Accordingly, it is possible to wirelessly operate theelectrical bicycle component with a simple structure.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the first aspect is configured so that thewireless communication unit is disposed at one of the base member, thebrake operating lever, and the additional operating lever.

With the bicycle operating device according to the second aspect, it ispossible to handle the bicycle operating device including the wirelesscommunication unit as a single unit.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the first or second aspect is configuredso that the additional operating lever includes an actuation partdisposed to face the electrical switch to press the electrical switch inresponse to a movement of the additional operating lever in the thirddirection relative to the base member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the third aspect, it ispossible to easily press the electrical switch using the movement of theadditional operating lever in the third direction relative to the basemember.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the third aspect is configured so that theactuation part includes a projection to face the electrical switch.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fourth aspect, it ispossible to transmit the movement of the additional operating lever inthe third direction relative to the electrical switch using theprojection.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to any one of the first to fourth aspectsfurther comprises a cable operating structure coupled to the brakeoperating lever to move a mechanical control cable in response to amovement of the brake operating lever relative to the base member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifth aspect, it ispossible to respectively operate a bicycle brake and an electricalbicycle component using the brake operating lever and the additionaloperating lever via the mechanical control cable and a wirelesscommunication.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to any one of the first to fifth aspectsfurther comprises a hydraulic unit coupled to the brake operating leverto generate a hydraulic pressure in response to a movement of the brakeoperating lever relative to the base member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect, it ispossible to respectively operate a bicycle brake and an electricalbicycle component using the brake operating lever and the additionaloperating lever via a hydraulic fluid and a wireless communication.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the first to sixthaspects further comprises an informing unit disposed on at least one ofthe base member, the brake operating lever, and the additional operatinglever.

With the bicycle operating device according to the seventh aspect, it ispossible to inform a user of information relating to the bicycleoperating device.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the seventh aspect is configuredso that the informing unit is connected to the wireless communicationunit to inform a user of a status of the wireless communication unit.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eighth aspect, it ispossible to check the status of the wireless communication unit.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects isconfigured so that the base member includes a first end portion and asecond end portion. The first end portion is configured to be coupled toa handlebar in a mounting state where the bicycle operating device ismounted to the handlebar. The second end portion is opposite to thefirst end portion. The brake operating lever is pivotally coupled to thesecond end portion.

With the bicycle operating device according to the ninth aspect, it ispossible to provide a distance between the handlebar and the brakeoperating lever. Accordingly, it is possible to easily operate the brakeoperating lever.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the ninth aspect is configured so that thefirst end portion includes a mounting surface having a curved shapecorresponding to a drop-down handlebar.

With the bicycle operating device according to the tenth aspect, it ispossible to firmly fix the bicycle operating device to the drop-downhandlebar.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the ninth or tenth aspect isconfigured so that the base member includes a grip portion arrangedbetween the first end portion and the second end portion.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eleventh aspect, thegrip portion allows the user to easily operate at least one of the brakeoperating lever and the additional operating lever.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the ninth to eleventhaspects is configured so that the second end portion includes a pommelportion.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twelfth aspect, thepommel portion allows the user to lean on the base member during ridinga bicycle.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the ninth to twelfthaspects is configured so that the first end portion is configured to becoupled to a bar end of the handlebar in the mounting state.

With the bicycle operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, itis possible to utilize the bicycle operating device as a bar-endoperating device.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the ninth to thirteenthaspects is configured so that the brake operating lever is pivotablerelative to the base member between a first rest position and a firstoperated position. The additional operating lever is at least partiallycloser to the first end portion than the brake operating lever in a reststate where the brake operating lever is at the first rest position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, itis possible to improve the operability of the additional operating levercompared with a case where the additional operating lever is fartherfrom the first end portion than the brake operating lever.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fourteenthaspects is configured so that the second direction is different from thefirst direction.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, itis possible to differentiate the movement of the additional operatinglever from the movement of the brake operating lever. This allows theuser to easily recognize each of the movement of the brake operatinglever and the movement of the additional operating lever withsimplifying the structure of the bicycle operating device.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect is configuredso that the brake operating lever is pivotable relative to the basemember about a first pivot axis in the first direction. The additionaloperating lever is pivotable relative to the base member about a secondpivot axis in the second direction. The second pivot axis isnon-parallel to the first pivot axis.

With the bicycle operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, itis possible to effectively differentiate the movement of the additionaloperating lever from the movement of the brake operating lever. Thisallows the user to easily recognize each of the movement of the brakeoperating lever and the movement of the additional operating lever withsimplifying the structure of the bicycle operating device.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the first to sixteenthaspects is configured so that the additional operating lever ispivotally coupled to the base member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the seventeenth aspect,it is possible to utilize the base member to pivotally support theadditional operating lever. Thus, it is possible to simplify thestructure of the brake operating lever compared with a case where theadditional operating lever is pivotally coupled to the brake operatinglever.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the seventeenth aspect isconfigured so that the wireless communication unit is disposed at one ofthe brake operating lever and the additional operating lever.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, itis possible to utilize one of the brake operating lever and theadditional operating lever as a member at which the wirelesscommunication unit is disposed. This improves a design freedom of thebicycle operating device.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the first to eighteenthaspects is configured so that the additional operating lever ispivotally coupled to the brake operating lever.

With the bicycle operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, itis possible to utilize the brake operating lever to pivotally supportthe additional operating lever. Thus, it is possible to simplify thestructure of the base member compared with a case where the additionaloperating lever is pivotally coupled to the base member.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the nineteenth aspect isconfigured so that the wireless communication unit is disposed at one ofthe base member, the brake operating lever, and the additional operatinglever.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twentieth aspect, itis possible to utilize one of the base member, the brake operatinglever, and the additional operating lever as a member at which thewireless communication unit is disposed. This improves a design freedomof the bicycle operating device.

In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the sixteenth totwentieth aspects is configured so that the additional operating leveris pivotable relative to the base member about a third pivot axis in athird direction. The third pivot axis is non-parallel to the first pivotaxis and the second pivot axis.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-first aspect,it is possible to differentiate the movement of the additional operatinglever from the movement of both the brake operating lever and theadditional operating lever. This allows the user to easily recognizeeach of the movement of the brake operating lever and the movement ofthe additional operating lever with simplifying the structure of thebicycle operating device.

In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the first totwenty-first aspects further comprises a power supply connected to atleast one of the electrical switch and the wireless communication unit.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-second aspect,it is possible to supply electric power to the at least one of theelectrical switch and the wireless communication unit.

In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the twenty-second aspect isconfigured so that the power supply is disposed on at least one of thebase member, the brake operating lever, and the additional operatinglever.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-third aspect,it is possible to handle the bicycle operating device including thepower supply as a single unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a right side elevational view of a bicycle operating device inaccordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the bicycle operating device illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial right side elevational view of the bicycle operatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a brake operating lever and an additionaloperating lever of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partial rear view of the brake operating lever and theadditional operating lever of the bicycle operating device illustratedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a partial left side elevational view of the bicycle operatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line IX-IX of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a partial left side elevational view of a bicycle operatingdevice in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the brake operating lever and the additionaloperating lever of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line XIII-XIII of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a left side elevational view of a bicycle operating device inaccordance with a third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of a brake operating lever and an additionaloperating lever of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a partial rear view of the brake operating lever and theadditional operating lever of the bicycle operating device illustratedin FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the bicycle operating device illustrated inFIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a left side elevational view of a bicycle operating device inaccordance with a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of a brake operating lever and an additionaloperating lever of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line XXII-XXII of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a left side elevational view of a bicycle operating device inaccordance with a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a rear view of a brake operating lever and an additionaloperating lever of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line XXV-XXV of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a partial left side elevational view of a bicycle operatingdevice in accordance with a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a partial left side elevational view of a bicycle operatingdevice in accordance with a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing arrangements of elements of thebicycle operating device.

FIGS. 31 to 36 show combinations of the arrangements illustrated in FIG.30.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle operating device 10 inaccordance with a first embodiment is configured to be mounted to ahandlebar H. In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 isconfigured to be mounted to a drop-down handlebar. However, structuresof the bicycle operating device 10 can be applied to other operatingdevices mounted to other type of handlebars such as a flat handlebar, atime trial handlebar, and a bull horn handlebar. The handlebar H canalso be referred to as the drop-down handlebar H.

The bicycle operating device 10 is operatively coupled to a bicyclebrake BC1. In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 isoperatively coupled to the bicycle brake BC1 via a control element C1.While the control element C1 is a mechanical control cable in thisembodiment, the control element C1 can be other elements such as ahydraulic hose and an electric control cable. The control element C1 canalso be referred to as the mechanical control cable C1.

Furthermore, the bicycle operating device 10 is operatively connected tothe electrical bicycle component BC2 via wireless communication.Examples of the electrical bicycle component BC2 include an electricshifting device, an electric suspension, and an electric seatpost. Inthis embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is operativelyconnected to an electric shifting device as the electrical bicyclecomponent BC2 via wireless communication. The electrical bicyclecomponent BC2 can also be referred to as the electric shifting deviceBC2. Examples of the electric shifting device BC2 include a derailleurand an internal-gear hub.

In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is a right hand sidecontrol device configured to be operated by the rider's right hand toactuate the bicycle brake BC1 and the electrical bicycle component BC2.However, the structures of the bicycle operating device 10 can beapplied to a left hand side control device.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front”,“rear”, “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “transverse”, “upward”and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions which are determined on the basis of a user (e.g., arider) who sits on a saddle (not shown) of a bicycle with facing thehandlebar H. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe thebicycle operating device 10, should be interpreted relative to thebicycle equipped with the bicycle operating device 10 as used in anupright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises a basemember 12, a brake operating lever 14, and an additional operating lever16. The base member 12 includes a first end portion 12A and a second endportion 12B. The first end portion 12A is configured to be coupled tothe handlebar H in a mounting state where the bicycle operating device10 is mounted to the handlebar H. The drop-down handlebar H includes acurved part H1. The first end portion 12A is configured to be coupled tothe curved part H1 in the mounting state where the bicycle operatingdevice 10 is mounted to the handlebar H. The bicycle operating device 10comprises a mounting clamp 18 to couple the base member 12 to thehandlebar H. As seen in FIG. 2, the first end portion 12A includes amounting surface 12E having a curved shape corresponding to thedrop-down handlebar H. Specifically, the mounting surface 12E has thecurved shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of the curvedpart H1.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second end portion 12B is opposite to thefirst end portion 12A. The base member 12 includes a grip portion 12Carranged between the first end portion 12A and the second end portion12B. The second end portion 12B includes a pommel portion 12D. Thepommel portion 12D extends obliquely upward from the grip portion 12C.The pommel portion 12D is disposed at a position higher than a positionof the first end portion 12A in the mounting state of the bicycleoperating device 10. The pommel portion 12D can also be configured to begraspable if needed and/or desired.

In this embodiment, the base member 12 includes a base body 13A and agrip cover 13B. The grip cover 13B at least partly covers the base body13A. The first end portion 12A, the second end portion 12B, the gripportion 12C, and the pommel portion 12D are constituted by at least oneof the base body 13A and the grip cover 13B. The grip cover 13B can beomitted from the base member 12.

As seen in FIG. 1, the brake operating lever 14 is pivotally coupled tothe base member 12. The brake operating lever 14 is pivotally coupled tothe second end portion 12B. The brake operating lever 14 is pivotallycoupled to the base member 12 in a first direction D1. Specifically, thebrake operating lever 14 is pivotable relative to the base member 12about a first pivot axis A1 in the first direction D1. The brakeoperating lever 14 is pivotable relative to the base member 12 between afirst rest position P11 and a first operated position P12. In thisembodiment, the first direction D1 is a circumferential directiondefined about the first pivot axis A1.

In the present application, the term “rest position” as used hereinrefers to a position at which a movable part such as the brake operatinglever 14 and the additional operating lever 16 remains stationary in astate where the movable part is not operated by the user. The term“operated position” as used herein refers to a position at which themovable part has been operated by the user to perform the operation ofthe bicycle component.

As seen in FIG. 1, the brake operating lever 14 is pivotally coupled tothe base member 12 via a first pivot pin 20. The first pivot pin 20defines the first pivot axis A1. The brake operating lever 14 is biasedby a first biasing member 21 (FIG. 4) toward the first rest position P11relative to the base member 12. Thus, the brake operating lever 14 is atthe first rest position P11 in a state where the brake operating lever14 is not operated by the user.

The additional operating lever 16 is at least partially closer to thefirst end portion 12A than the brake operating lever 14 in a rest statewhere the brake operating lever 14 is at the first rest position P11.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the additional operating lever 16 is pivotallycoupled to one of the base member 12 and the brake operating lever 14.In this embodiment, the additional operating lever 16 is pivotallycoupled to the base member 12. However, additional operating lever 16can be pivotally coupled to the brake operating lever 14. The additionaloperating lever 16 is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 in asecond direction D2 and in a third direction D3 different from the firstdirection D1 and the second direction D2. The additional operating lever16 is movably coupled to the base member 12 without via the brakeoperating lever 14. The additional operating lever 16 is directlycoupled to the base member 12.

As seen in FIG. 1, the additional operating lever 16 is pivotablerelative to the base member 12 about a second pivot axis A2 in thesecond direction D2. The additional operating lever 16 is pivotablerelative to the base member 12 about the second pivot axis A2 between asecond rest position P21 and a second operated position P22. In thisembodiment, the second direction D2 is a circumferential directiondefined about the second pivot axis A2. The additional operating lever16 is biased by a second biasing member (not shown) toward the secondrest position P21 relative to the base member 12. The second pivot axisA2 is closer to the first end portion 12A than the first pivot axis A1.The additional operating lever 16 is at the second rest position P21 ina state where the additional operating lever 16 is in contact with thebrake operating lever 14 which is at the first rest position P11. Thus,the additional operating lever 16 is at the second rest position P21 ina state where the brake operating lever 14 is at the first rest positionP11. The additional operating lever 16 is pivoted relative to the basemember 12 about the second pivot axis A2 from the second rest positionP21 toward the second operated position P22 in response to a pivotalmovement of the brake operating lever 14 from the first rest positionP11 toward the first operated position P12.

As seen in FIG. 3, the additional operating lever 16 is pivotablerelative to the base member 12 about a third pivot axis A3 in the thirddirection D3. The additional operating lever 16 is pivotable relative tothe base member 12 about the third pivot axis A3 between a third restposition P31 and a third operated position P32. In this embodiment, thethird direction D3 is a circumferential direction defined about thethird pivot axis A3. The additional operating lever 16 is biased by athird biasing member 40 (FIG. 6) toward the third rest position P31relative to the base member 12.

While the additional operating lever 16 is used as a shift operatinglever in this embodiment, the additional operating lever 16 can be usedas an operating lever other than the shift operating lever. For example,the additional operating lever 16 can be used as a suspension operatinglever in a case where the electrical bicycle component BC2 includes theelectric suspension. The additional operating lever 16 can be used as aseatpost operating lever in a case where the electrical bicyclecomponent BC2 includes the electric seatpost.

As indicated with a broken line 14X in FIG. 3, the brake operating lever14 can have a curved shape such that a distal end portion 14X1 of thebrake operating lever 14 is offset from a proximal end portion 14X2 ofthe brake operating lever 14. In FIG. 3, the distal end portion 14X1 isoffset from the proximal end portion 14X2 toward an opposite side of abicycle transverse center plane CP of a bicycle. In such an embodiment,the third rest position P31 of the additional operating lever 16 isadjusted toward the opposite side of the bicycle transverse center planeCP.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises acoupling structure 22 pivotally coupling the additional operating lever16 to the base member 12. Specifically, the coupling structure 22includes second pivot pins 24, a coupling part 26 and a third pivot pin28. The second pivot pins 24 are secured to the coupling part 26 anddefine the second pivot axis A2. The third pivot pin 28 is secured tothe base member 12 and defines the third pivot axis A3. The couplingpart 26 is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 via the third pivotpin 28. The additional operating lever 16 is pivotally coupled to thecoupling part 26 via the second pivot pins 24. Thus, the additionaloperating lever 16 is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 about eachof the second pivot axis A2 and the third pivot axis A3.

As seen in FIG. 5, the second pivot axis A2 is non-parallel to the firstpivot axis A1. Specifically, the second pivot axis A2 is non-parallel tothe first pivot axis A1 when viewed from above the bicycle operatingdevice 10 in the mounting state where the bicycle operating device 10 ismounted to the handlebar H. However, the second pivot axis A2 can beparallel to the first pivot axis A1 when viewed from above the bicycleoperating device 10 in the mounting state of the bicycle operatingdevice 10. While the second direction D2 is different from the firstdirection D1 in this embodiment, the second direction D2 can be equal tothe first direction D1.

The third pivot axis A3 is non-parallel to the first pivot axis A1 andthe second pivot axis A2. Specifically, the third pivot axis A3 isnon-parallel to the first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2when viewed from above the bicycle operating device 10 in the mountingstate where the bicycle operating device 10 is mounted to the handlebarH. However, the third pivot axis A3 can be parallel to the first pivotaxis A1 and the second pivot axis A2 when viewed from above the bicycleoperating device 10 in the mounting state of the bicycle operatingdevice 10.

Furthermore, the third pivot axis A3 is non-orthogonal to the firstpivot axis A1 when viewed from above the bicycle operating device 10 inthe mounting state where the bicycle operating device 10 is mounted tothe handlebar H. However, the third pivot axis A3 can be orthogonal tothe first pivot axis A1 when viewed from above the bicycle operatingdevice 10 in the mounting state of the bicycle operating device 10.

The third pivot axis A3 is orthogonal to the second pivot axis A2 whenviewed from above the bicycle operating device 10 in the mounting statewhere the bicycle operating device 10 is mounted to the handlebar H.However, the third pivot axis A3 can be non-orthogonal to the secondpivot axis A2 when viewed from above the bicycle operating device 10 inthe mounting state of the bicycle operating device 10.

As seen in FIG. 4, the bicycle operating device 10 further comprises acable operating structure 30 coupled to the brake operating lever 14 tomove the mechanical control cable C1 in response to a movement of thebrake operating lever 14 in the first direction D1. The mechanicalcontrol cable C1 includes an outer casing C11 and an inner wire C12movably provided in the outer casing C11. In this embodiment, the cableoperating structure 30 is provided at an end of the brake operatinglever 14 to receive an end of the inner wire C12 of the mechanicalcontrol cable C1.

The cable operating structure 30 is coupled to the end of the inner wireC12 of the mechanical control cable C1. Specifically, the cableoperating structure 30 includes a cable attachment part 32 to couple thebrake operating lever 14 to the mechanical control cable C1. The cableattachment part 32 is attached to the brake operating lever 14.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises anelectrical switch 34 to provide an electric signal in response to amovement of the additional operating lever 16 in the third direction D3.The electrical switch 34 is disposed at the base member 12. While theelectrical switch 34 is a normally open switch in this embodiment, othertype of switches can be applied to the bicycle operating device 10.

While the electrical switch 34 is used as a shift control switch in thisembodiment, the electrical switch 34 can be used as a switch other thanthe shift control switch. For example, the electrical switch 34 can beused as a suspension control switch in a case where the electricalbicycle component BC2 includes the electric suspension. The electricalswitch 34 can be used as a seatpost control switch in a case where theelectrical bicycle component BC2 includes the electric seatpost.

As seen in FIG. 6, the additional operating lever 16 includes a firstlever end 36A and a second lever end 36B opposite to the first lever end36A. The first lever end 36A is pivotally coupled to the base member 12about each of the second pivot axis A2 and the third pivot axis A3. Thebrake operating lever 14 includes a receiving part 38. The additionaloperating lever 16 is contactable with the receiving part 38. The secondlever end 36B is contactable with the receiving part 38. The additionaloperating lever 16 is positioned at the third rest position P31 by thereceiving part 38 in a state where the additional operating lever 16 isin contact with the receiving part 38. The bicycle operating device 10comprises the third biasing member 40 to bias the additional operatinglever 16 toward the third rest position P31. Thus, the additionaloperating lever 16 is positioned at the third rest position P31 by thereceiving part 38 in a state where the additional operating lever 16 isnot operated by the user. In this embodiment, the third biasing member40 includes a coil spring.

As seen in FIG. 7, the additional operating lever 16 includes anactuation part 42 disposed to face the electrical switch 34 to press theelectrical switch 34 in response to a movement of the additionaloperating lever 16 in the third direction D3 relative to the base member12. In this embodiment, the actuation part 42 includes a projection 42Ato face the electrical switch 34. The projection 42A extends from thefirst lever end 36A of the additional operating lever 16 along thesecond pivot axis A2.

The projection 42A is in contact with the electrical switch 34 in astate where the additional operating lever 16 is at the third operatedposition P32. This contact closes the electrical switch 34 to providethe electric signal. The electrical switch 34 is open not to provide theelectric signal when the additional operating lever 16 is returned tothe third rest position P31.

As seen in FIGS. 8 to 10, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises awireless communication unit 48 connected to the electrical switch 34 totransmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal. The wirelesscommunication unit 48 is disposed at one of the base member 12, thebrake operating lever 14, and the additional operating lever 16. In thisembodiment, the wireless communication unit 48 is disposed at the brakeoperating lever 14. However, the wireless communication unit 48 can bedisposed at one of the base member 12 and the additional operating lever16.

As seen in FIG. 9, the wireless communication unit 48 is attached to thebrake operating lever 14. Specifically, the bicycle operating device 10comprises an attachment part 49. The attachment part 49 is mounted tothe brake operating lever 14. The attachment part 49 includes anattachment base 49A and a cover 49B. The attachment base 49A is coupledto the brake operating lever 14. In this embodiment, the attachment base49A is integrally provided with the brake operating lever 14 as aone-piece unitary member. The cover 49B is detachably attached to theattachment base 49A with fasteners such as screws. An internal space 49Cis defined by the attachment base 49A and the cover 49B. The internalspace 49C is sealed by seal members (not shown) in a state where thecover 49B is attached to the attachment base 49A. The electrical switch34 is disposed in the internal space 49C of the attachment part 49.

The bicycle operating device 10 comprises an electronic substrate 50.The wireless communication unit 48 is mounted on the electronicsubstrate 50. The electronic substrate 50 is electrically connected tothe electrical switch 34 via an electrical wiring 51. The electricalwiring 51 is disposed along the brake operating lever 14. The wirelesscommunication unit 48 is electrically connected to the electrical switch34 via the electronic substrate 50 and the electrical wiring 51. Theelectronic substrate 50 is secured to the brake operating lever 14(e.g., the attachment part 49). The electronic substrate 50 is disposedin the internal space 49C.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises anantenna 52 connected to the wireless communication unit 48. As seen inFIG. 9, the antenna 52 is mounted on the electronic substrate 50. Thewireless communication unit 48, the electronic substrate 50, and theantenna 52 are disposed in the internal space 49C of the attachment part49. The wireless communication unit 48 wirelessly transmits the wirelesssignal based on the electric signal via the antenna 52. The antenna 52can be included in the wireless communication unit 48 or can beintegrally provided with the wireless communication unit 48 as a singlemodule or unit.

As seen in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the wireless communication unit48 includes a processor 48A, a memory 48B, a signal generating circuit48C, a signal transmitting circuit 48D, and a signal receiving circuit48E. Thus, the wireless communication unit 48 can also be referred to asa wireless communication circuit 48 in the present application. Theprocessor 48A includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memorycontroller. The memory 48B is connected to the processor 48A. The memory48B includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).The ROM includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. TheRAM includes a transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory48B includes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and theRAM. The processor 48A controls the memory 48B to store data in thestorage areas of the memory 48B and reads data from the storage areas ofthe memory 48B. The memory 48B (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. Theprogram is read into the processor 48A, and thereby functions of thewireless communication unit 48 (e.g., at least part of functions of thesignal generating circuit 48C and the signal transmitting circuit 48D).

The signal generating circuit 48C generates wireless signals based onthe electric signal input from the electrical switch 34. The signalgenerating circuit 48C superimposes digital signals on carrier waveusing a predetermined wireless communication protocol to generate thewireless signals. The signal transmitting circuit 48D transmits thewireless signal via the antenna 52 in response to the electric signalinput from the electrical switch 34. In this embodiment, the signalgenerating circuit 48C can encrypt control information (e.g., shiftinformation) to generate encrypted wireless signals. The signalgenerating circuit 48C encrypts digital signals stored in the memory 48Busing a cryptographic key. The signal transmitting circuit 48D transmitsthe encrypted wireless signals. Thus, the wireless communication unit 48wirelessly transmits the wireless signal to upshift or downshift theelectric shifting device BC2 when the electrical switch 34 is closed toprovide the electric signal.

Further, the signal receiving circuit 48E receives a wireless signalfrom the electric shifting device BC2 via the antenna 52. In thisembodiment, the signal receiving circuit 48E decodes the wireless signalto recognize information wirelessly transmitted from the electricshifting device BC2. The signal receiving circuit 48E may decrypt theencrypted wireless signal using the cryptographic key. Namely, thewireless communication unit 48 is configured to transmit a wirelesssignal to control other electrical bicycle components and to receive awireless signal to recognize information from other electrical bicyclecomponents. In other words, the wireless communication unit 48 isprovided as a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The otherelectrical bicycle components can include the electric suspension andthe electric seatpost in addition to the electric shifting device BC2.In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 48 is integrallyprovided as a single module or unit. However, the wireless communicationunit 48 can be constituted of a wireless transmitter and a wirelessreceiver which are provided as separate modules or units arranged atdifferent positions from each other. The signal receiving circuit 48Ecan be omitted from the wireless communication unit 48.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bicycle operating device 10 furthercomprises an informing unit 54. The informing unit 54 is connected tothe wireless communication unit 48 to inform a user of a status of thewireless communication unit 48. The informing unit 54 is disposed on atleast one of the base member 12, the brake operating lever 14, and theadditional operating lever 16. In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 9,the informing unit 54 is disposed on the brake operating lever 14.However, the informing unit 54 can be disposed on at least one of thebase member 12 and the additional operating lever 16 instead of or inaddition to on the brake operating lever 14. Examples of the status ofthe wireless communication unit 48 include a signal transmission statusand a power supply status.

As seen in FIG. 9, the informing unit 54 is mounted on the electronicsubstrate 50. The informing unit 54 is disposed in the internal space49C of the attachment part 49. The informing unit 54 is electricallyconnected to the wireless communication unit 48 via the electronicsubstrate 50. The informing unit 54 includes a light emitting elementsuch as a light emitting diode (LED). However, the informing unit 54 caninclude other elements such as a buzzer and/or an output interface to acycle computer instead of or in addition to the light emitting element.Light from the informing unit 54 is visible from outside of the bicycleoperating device 10 via a clear window 55.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bicycle operating device 10 furthercomprises an power supply 56 connected to at least one of the electricalswitch 34 and the wireless communication unit 48. The power supply 56 isdisposed on at least one of the base member 12, the brake operatinglever 14, and the additional operating lever 16. In this embodiment, asseen in FIG. 10, the power supply 56 is electrically connected to thewireless communication unit 48 to supply electric energy (e.g., a powersource voltage) to the wireless communication unit 48. The power supply56 supplies the electric energy to other elements via the wirelesscommunication unit 48. However, the power supply 56 can be electricallyconnected to the other elements without via the wireless communicationunit 48. As seen in FIG. 9, the power supply 56 is disposed on the brakeoperating lever 14. However, the power supply 56 can be disposed on atleast one of the base member 12 and the additional operating lever 16instead of or in addition to on the brake operating lever 14. The powersupply 56 is disposed in the internal space 49C of the attachment part49.

In this embodiment, the power supply 56 includes a battery 56A, anelectric-energy generation element 56B, and a rectifying circuit 56C.The battery 56A is held in a battery holder 58 arranged in the internalspace 49C of the attachment part 49. Examples of the battery 56A includea primary battery such as a lithium manganese dioxide battery, and asecondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In thisembodiment, the battery 56A is a primary button battery. Theelectric-energy generation element 56B generates the electric energyusing pressure and/or vibration. In this embodiment, the electric-energygeneration element 56B generates electric energy (e.g., alternatingcurrent) using pressure and/or vibration caused by a movement of atleast one of the brake operating lever 14 and the additional operatinglever 16. Examples of the electric-energy generation element 56Bincludes a piezoelectric element. The electric-energy generation element56B is attached to the electrical switch 34. However, theelectric-energy generation element 56B can be disposed at otherpositions. The electric-energy generation element 56B is electricallyconnected to the electronic substrate 50. The electric-energy generationelement 56B is electrically connected to the wireless communication unit48 via the electronic substrate 50. The rectifying circuit 56C iselectrically connected to the electric-energy generation element 56B torectify the electric energy generated by the electric-energy generationelement 56B. The rectifying circuit 56C is mounted to the electronicsubstrate 50 and is electrically connected to the wireless communicationunit 48 and the electric-energy generation element 56B. Since theelectric-energy generation element 56B and the rectifying circuit 56Chave been well known in the electronics field, they will not bedescribed and/or illustrated in detail here for the sake of brevity. Thepower source voltage is applied from the power supply 56 to the wirelesscommunication unit 48.

As seen in FIG. 10, the wireless communication unit 48 includes avoltage regulator 48F. The voltage regulator 48F regulates the powersource voltage to a level at which various circuits of the wirelesscommunication unit 48 and the informing unit 54 can properly operate.The voltage regulator 48F supplies the regulated voltage to theprocessor 48A, the memory 48B, the signal generating circuit 48C, thesignal transmitting circuit 48D, the signal receiving circuit 48E, andthe informing unit 54. The voltage regulator 48F can be provided in thepower supply 56 or omitted from the bicycle operating device 10.

The voltage regulator 48F switches the power source voltage between thebattery 56A and the electric-energy generation element 56B. At first,for example, the wireless communication unit 48 preferentially uses theelectric energy generated by the electric-energy generation element 56Bto transmit the wireless signal based on the electric signal. When thetransmission of the wireless signal is completed using only the electricenergy generated by the electric-energy generation element 56B, thevoltage regulator 48F interrupts supply of the electric energy from thebattery 56A to reduce the standby power consumption of the battery 56A.When the transmission of the wireless signal is not completed due toinsufficient electric energy, the wireless communication unit 48 usesthe electric energy supplied from the battery 56A to transmit thewireless signal based on the electric signal. The remaining electricenergy generated by the electric-energy generation element 56B can becharged to a rechargeable battery (not shown) if necessary. In such anembodiment, the rechargeable battery is provided in the power supply 56instead of or in addition to the battery 56A.

The bicycle operating device 10 has the following features.

(1) The bicycle operating device 10 comprises the base member 12, thebrake operating lever 14, the additional operating lever 16, theelectrical switch 34, and the wireless communication unit 48. Theelectrical switch 34 is disposed at the base member 12. Thus, since theelectrical switch 34 is disposed at the base member 12, it is possibleto simplify structures of the brake operating lever 14 and theadditional operating lever 16 compared with a case where the electricalswitch 34 is disposed at one of the brake operating lever 14 and theadditional operating lever 16. Accordingly, it is possible to wirelesslyoperate the electrical bicycle component BC2 with a simple structure.

(2) The wireless communication unit 48 is disposed at one of the basemember 12, the brake operating lever 14, and the additional operatinglever 16. Accordingly, it is possible to handle the bicycle operatingdevice 10 including the wireless communication unit 48 as a single unit.

(3) The additional operating lever 16 includes the actuation part 42disposed to face the electrical switch 34 to press the electrical switch34 in response to a movement of the additional operating lever 16 in thethird direction D3 relative to the base member 12. Accordingly, it ispossible to easily press the electrical switch 34 using the movement ofthe additional operating lever 16 in the third direction D3 relative tothe base member 12.

(4) The actuation part 42 includes the projection 42A to face theelectrical switch 34. Accordingly, it is possible to transmit themovement of the additional operating lever 16 in the third direction D3relative to the electrical switch 34 using the projection 42A.

(5) The bicycle operating device 10 further comprises the cableoperating structure 30 coupled to the brake operating lever 14 to movethe mechanical control cable C1 in response to a movement of the brakeoperating lever 14 relative to the base member 12. Accordingly, it ispossible to respectively operate the bicycle brake BC1 and theelectrical bicycle component BC2 using the brake operating lever 14 andthe additional operating lever 16 via the mechanical control cable C1and the wireless communication.

(6) The informing unit 54 is disposed on at least one of the base member12, the brake operating lever 14, and the additional operating lever 16.Accordingly, it is possible to inform a user of information relating tothe bicycle operating device 10.

(7) The informing unit 54 is connected to the wireless communicationunit 48 to inform a user of a status of the wireless communication unit48. Accordingly, it is possible to check the status of the wirelesscommunication unit 48.

(8) The base member 12 includes the first end portion 12A and the secondend portion 12B. The first end portion 12A is configured to be coupledto the handlebar H in the mounting state where the bicycle operatingdevice 10 is mounted to the handlebar H. The second end portion 12B isopposite to the first end portion 12A. The brake operating lever 14 ispivotally coupled to the second end portion 12B. Thus, it is possible toprovide a distance between the handlebar H and the brake operating lever14. Accordingly, it is possible to easily operate the brake operatinglever 14.

(9) The first end portion 12A includes the mounting surface having thecurved shape corresponding to the drop-down handlebar H. Accordingly, itis possible to firmly fix the bicycle operating device 10 to thedrop-down handlebar H.

(10) The base member 12 includes the grip portion 12C arranged betweenthe first end portion 12A and the second end portion 12B. Accordingly,the grip portion 12C allows the user to easily operate at least one ofthe brake operating lever 14 and the additional operating lever 16.

(11) The second end portion 12B includes the pommel portion 12D. Thepommel portion 12D allows the user to lean on the base member 12 duringriding a bicycle.

(12) The brake operating lever 14 is pivotable relative to the basemember 12 between the first rest position P11 and the first operatedposition P12. The additional operating lever 16 is at least partiallycloser to the first end portion 12A than the brake operating lever 14 inthe rest state where the brake operating lever 14 is at the first restposition P11. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operability ofthe additional operating lever 16 compared with a case where theadditional operating lever 16 is farther from the first end portion 12Athan the brake operating lever 14.

(13) The second direction D2 is different from the first direction D1.Accordingly, it is possible to differentiate the movement of theadditional operating lever 16 from the movement of the brake operatinglever 14. This allows the user to easily recognize each of the movementof the brake operating lever 14 and the movement of the additionaloperating lever 16 with simplifying the structure of the bicycleoperating device 10.

(14) Since the second pivot axis A2 is non-parallel to the first pivotaxis A1, it is possible to effectively differentiate the movement of theadditional operating lever 16 from the movement of the brake operatinglever 14. This allows the user to easily recognize each of the movementof the brake operating lever 14 and the movement of the additionaloperating lever 16 with simplifying the structure of the bicycleoperating device 10.

(15) Since the additional operating lever 16 is pivotally coupled to thebase member 12, it is possible to utilize the base member 12 topivotally support the additional operating lever 16. Thus, it ispossible to simplify the structure of the brake operating lever 14compared with a case where the additional operating lever 16 ispivotally coupled to the brake operating lever 14.

(16) The wireless communication unit 48 is disposed at one of the brakeoperating lever 14 and the additional operating lever 16. Accordingly,it is possible to utilize one of the brake operating lever 14 and theadditional operating lever 16 as a member at which the wirelesscommunication unit 48 is disposed. This improves a design freedom of thebicycle operating device 10. In addition, there is less interruption ofa user body between the wireless communication unit 48 and theelectrical bicycle component BC2 to the wireless signal is transmitted.Accordingly, communication performance is enhanced.

(17) Since the third pivot axis A3 is non-parallel to the first pivotaxis A1 and the second pivot axis A2, it is possible to differentiatethe movement of the additional operating lever 16 from the movement ofboth the brake operating lever 14 and the additional operating lever 16.This allows the user to easily recognize each of the movement of thebrake operating lever 14 and the movement of the additional operatinglever 16 with simplifying the structure of the bicycle operating device10.

(18) The power supply 56 is connected to at least one of the electricalswitch 34 and the wireless communication unit 48. Accordingly, it ispossible to supply electric power to the at least one of the electricalswitch 34 and the wireless communication unit 48.

(19) The power supply 56 is disposed on at least one of the base member12, the brake operating lever 14, and the additional operating lever 16.Accordingly, it is possible to handle the bicycle operating device 10including the power supply 56 as a single unit.

Second Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 210 in accordance with a second embodimentwill be described below referring to FIGS. 11 to 14. The bicycleoperating device 210 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle operating device 10 except for the arrangement ofsome elements. Thus, elements having substantially the same function asthose in the first embodiment will be numbered the same here, and willnot be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIG. 11, the bicycle operating device 210 comprises the basemember 12, the brake operating lever 14, the additional operating lever16, the electrical switch 34, the wireless communication unit 48, theinforming unit 54, and the power supply 56. The electrical switch 34 isdisposed at the base member 12. The wireless communication unit 48 isdisposed at one of the brake operating lever 14 and the additionaloperating lever 16. Similarly to the bicycle operating device 10 of thefirst embodiment, as seen in FIG. 12, the additional operating lever 16is pivotally coupled to the base member 12.

Unlike the bicycle operating device 10 of the first embodiment, as seenin FIGS. 13 and 14, the wireless communication unit 48 is disposed atthe additional operating lever 16. The informing unit 54 is disposed onthe additional operating lever 16. The power supply 56 is disposed onthe additional operating lever 16.

As seen in FIG. 13, the bicycle operating device 210 comprises anattachment part 249. The attachment part 249 has substantially the samestructure as that of the attachment part 49 of the bicycle operatingdevice 10. However, the attachment part 249 is mounted to the additionaloperating lever 16. The electrical switch 34 is attached to theattachment part 249. The attachment part 249 includes an attachment base249A and a cover 249B. The attachment base 249A is coupled to theadditional operating lever 16. In this embodiment, the attachment base249A is integrally provided with the additional operating lever 16 as aone-piece unitary member. The cover 249B is detachably attached to theattachment base 249A with fasteners such as screws. An internal space249C is defined by the attachment base 249A and the cover 249B. Theinternal space 249C is sealed by seal members (not shown) in a statewhere the cover 249B is attached to the attachment base 249A. Each ofthe wireless communication unit 48, the antenna 52, the informing unit54, the power supply 56, and the electronic substrate 50 is disposed inthe internal space 249C. The electrical wiring 51 is disposed along theadditional operating lever 16. The electronic substrate 50 is secured tothe additional operating lever 16 (e.g., the attachment part 249).

With the bicycle operating device 210, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device10 of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 310 in accordance with a third embodimentwill be described below referring to FIGS. 15 to 19. The bicycleoperating device 310 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle operating device 10 except for the additionaloperating lever 16. Thus, elements having substantially the samefunction as those in the above embodiment will be numbered the samehere, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detail herefor the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 15, the bicycle operating device 310 comprises the basemember 12, the brake operating lever 14, an additional operating lever316, the electrical switch 34, the wireless communication unit 48, theinforming unit 54, and the power supply 56. The electrical switch 34 isdisposed at the base member 12. The wireless communication unit 48 isdisposed at one of the base member 12, the brake operating lever 14, andthe additional operating lever 316. Similarly to the bicycle operatingdevice 10 of the first embodiment, as seen in FIG. 16, each of thewireless communication unit 48, the informing unit 54, and the powersupply 56 is disposed at the brake operating lever 14.

Unlike the additional operating lever 16 of the first embodiment, theadditional operating lever 316 is pivotally coupled to the brakeoperating lever 14. As seen in FIG. 17, the additional operating lever316 is pivotally coupled to the brake operating lever 14 in a thirddirection D33. Specifically, the additional operating lever 316 ispivotable relative to the brake operating lever 14 about a third pivotaxis A33 in the third direction D33. While the third direction D33 isdifferent from the first direction D1 in this embodiment, the thirddirection D33 can be equal to the first direction D1. The additionaloperating lever 316 is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 via thebrake operating lever 14. Thus, the additional operating lever 316 ispivotable relative to the base member 12 about the first pivot axis A1together with the brake operating lever 14. In other words, theadditional operating lever 316 is pivotable relative to the base member12 about the second pivot axis A2 coinciding with the first pivot axisA1 in this embodiment. The second direction D2 is equal to the firstdirection D1 in this embodiment.

As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, the additional operating lever 316 ispivotable relative to the brake operating lever 14 about the third pivotaxis A33 between a third rest position P331 and a third operatedposition P332. In this embodiment, the third direction D33 is acircumferential direction defined about the third pivot axis A33. Theadditional operating lever 316 is biased by the third biasing member 40toward the third rest position P331 relative to the brake operatinglever 14. The additional operating lever 316 is at the third restposition P331 in a state where the additional operating lever 316 is incontact with the receiving part 38 of the brake operating lever 14.Thus, the additional operating lever 316 is at the third rest positionP331 in a state where the additional operating lever 316 is not operatedby the user.

The third pivot axis A33 is disposed above the first pivot axis A1 inthe mounting state where the bicycle operating device 310 is mounted tothe handlebar H. However, the third pivot axis A33 can be disposed belowthe first pivot axis A1 in the mounting state of the bicycle operatingdevice 310. The third pivot axis A33 can be disposed at the same heightas a height of the first pivot axis A1 in the mounting state of thebicycle operating device 310.

While the additional operating lever 316 is used as a shift operatinglever in this embodiment, the additional operating lever 316 can be usedas an operating lever other than the shift operating lever. For example,the additional operating lever 316 can be used as a suspension operatinglever in a case where the electrical bicycle component BC2 includes theelectric suspension. The additional operating lever 316 can be used as aseatpost operating lever in a case where the electrical bicyclecomponent BC2 includes the electric seatpost.

As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, the bicycle operating device 310 comprises acoupling structure 322 pivotally coupling the additional operating lever316 to the brake operating lever 14. Specifically, the couplingstructure 322 includes a third pivot pin 328. The third pivot pin 328 isattached to the brake operating lever 14 and defines the third pivotaxis A33. As seen in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the third pivot pin328 is attached to the cable attachment part 32 of the cable operatingstructure 30. However, the third pivot pin 328 can be directly attachedto the brake operating lever 14 without via the cable operatingstructure 30. The additional operating lever 316 is pivotally coupled tothe brake operating lever 14 about the third pivot axis A33 via thethird pivot pin 328.

As seen in FIG. 19, the third pivot axis A33 is non-parallel to thefirst pivot axis A1. Specifically, the third pivot axis A33 isnon-parallel to the first pivot axis A1 when viewed from above thebicycle operating device 310 in the mounting state where the bicycleoperating device 310 is mounted to the handlebar H. The third pivot axisA33 is orthogonal to the first pivot axis A1 when viewed from above thebicycle operating device 310 in the mounting state of the bicycleoperating device 310. However, the third pivot axis A33 can be inclinedrelative to the first pivot axis A1 when viewed from above the bicycleoperating device 310 in the mounting state of the bicycle operatingdevice 310.

As seen in FIG. 17, the additional operating lever 316 includes a firstlever end 336A and a second lever end 336B opposite to the first leverend 336A. The first lever end 336A is pivotally coupled to the brakeoperating lever 14 about the third pivot axis A33. The additionaloperating lever 316 is contactable with the receiving part 38 of thebrake operating lever 14. As seen in FIG. 16, the second lever end 336Bis contactable with the receiving part 38. The additional operatinglever 316 is positioned at the third rest position P331 by the receivingpart 38 in a state where the additional operating lever 316 is incontact with the receiving part 38. The third biasing member 40 biasesthe additional operating lever 316 toward the receiving part 38. Thus,the additional operating lever 316 is positioned at the third restposition P331 by the receiving part 38 in a state where the additionaloperating lever 316 is not operated by the user.

As seen in FIG. 18, the additional operating lever 316 includes anactuation part 342 disposed to face the electrical switch 34 to pressthe electrical switch 34 in response to a movement of the additionaloperating lever 316 in the third direction D33 relative to the basemember 12. In this embodiment, the actuation part 342 includes aprojection 342A to face the electrical switch 34. The projection 342Aextends from the first lever end 336A of the additional operating lever316 toward the electrical switch 34. The brake operating lever 14includes a through-hole 14A. The projection 342A extends through thethrough-hole 14A.

The projection 342A is in contact with the electrical switch 34 in astate where the additional operating lever 316 is at the third operatedposition P332. This contact closes the electrical switch 34 to providethe electric signal. The electrical switch 34 is open not to provide theelectric signal when the additional operating lever 316 is returned tothe third rest position P331.

With the bicycle operating device 310, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device10 of the first embodiment.

Furthermore, since the additional operating lever 316 is pivotallycoupled to the brake operating lever 14, it is possible to utilize thebrake operating lever 14 to pivotally support the additional operatinglever 316. Thus, it is possible to simplify the structure of the basemember 12 compared with a case where the additional operating lever 316is pivotally coupled to the base member 12.

Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 48 is disposed at one ofthe brake operating lever 14 and the additional operating lever 316.Accordingly, it is possible to utilize one of the brake operating lever14 and the additional operating lever 316 as a member at which thewireless communication unit 48 is disposed. This improves a designfreedom of the bicycle operating device 310.

Fourth Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 410 in accordance with a fourth embodimentwill be described below referring to FIGS. 20 to 22. The bicycleoperating device 410 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle operating device 310 except for the arrangement ofsome elements. Thus, elements having substantially the same function asthose in the above embodiments will be numbered the same here, and willnot be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIG. 20, the bicycle operating device 410 comprises the basemember 12, the brake operating lever 14, the additional operating lever316, the electrical switch 34, the wireless communication unit 48, theinforming unit 54, and the power supply 56. The electrical switch 34 isdisposed at the base member 12. The wireless communication unit 48 isdisposed at one of the base member 12, the brake operating lever 14, andthe additional operating lever 316. Similarly to the bicycle operatingdevice 310 of the third embodiment, as seen in FIG. 21, the additionaloperating lever 316 is pivotally coupled to the brake operating lever14.

Unlike the bicycle operating device 310 of the third embodiment, as seenin FIG. 22, the wireless communication unit 48 is disposed at theadditional operating lever 316. The informing unit 54 is disposed on theadditional operating lever 316. The power supply 56 is disposed on theadditional operating lever 316. The bicycle operating device 410comprises the attachment part 249 of the second embodiment. Theattachment part 249 is mounted to the additional operating lever 316.

With the bicycle operating device 410, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device310 of the third embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 510 in accordance with a fifth embodimentwill be described below referring to FIGS. 23 to 26. The bicycleoperating device 510 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle operating device 310 except for the arrangement ofsome elements. Thus, elements having substantially the same function asthose in the above embodiments will be numbered the same here, and willnot be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIG. 23, the bicycle operating device 510 comprises the basemember 12, the brake operating lever 14, the additional operating lever316, the electrical switch 34, the wireless communication unit 48, theinforming unit 54, and the power supply 56. The electrical switch 34 isdisposed at the base member 12. The additional operating lever 316 ispivotally coupled to the brake operating lever 14. The wirelesscommunication unit 48 is disposed at one of the base member 12, thebrake operating lever 14, and the additional operating lever 316.Similarly to the bicycle operating device 310 of the third embodiment,as seen in FIG. 24, the additional operating lever 316 is pivotallycoupled to the brake operating lever 14.

Unlike the bicycle operating device 310 of the third embodiment, as seenin FIGS. 23, 24, and 25, the wireless communication unit 48 is disposedat the base member 12. The informing unit 54 is disposed on the basemember 12. The power supply 56 is disposed on the base member 12.

As seen in FIG. 25, the bicycle operating device 510 comprises anadditional attachment part 549. The additional attachment part 549 isdisposed at the base member 12. The additional attachment part 549includes an additional attachment base 549A and an additional cover549B. The additional attachment base 549A is attached to the base member12. In this embodiment, the additional attachment base 549A isintegrally provided with the base body 13A of the base member 12 as aone-piece unitary member. The additional cover 549B is detachablyattached to the additional attachment base 549A with fasteners such asscrews. An additional internal space 549C is defined by the additionalattachment base 549A and the additional cover 549B. The additionalinternal space 549C is sealed by seal members (not shown) in a statewhere the additional cover 549B is attached to the additional attachmentbase 549A. The wireless communication unit 48 is disposed in theadditional internal space 549C of the additional attachment part 549.The wireless communication unit 48 is electrically connected to theelectrical switch 34 via the electrical wiring 51.

Furthermore, the antenna 52, the informing unit 54, and the power supply56 are disposed in the additional internal space 549C of the additionalattachment part 549. The antenna 52, the informing unit 54, and thepower supply 56 are mounted on the electronic substrate 50 secured tothe additional attachment part 549.

With the bicycle operating device 510, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device310 of the third embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 610 in accordance with a sixth embodimentwill be described below referring to FIG. 27 The bicycle operatingdevice 610 has the same structure and/or configuration as those of thebicycle operating device 10 except for the cable operating structure 30.Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those in theabove embodiments will be numbered the same here, and will not bedescribed and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIG. 27, the bicycle operating device 610 comprises the basemember 12, the brake operating lever 14, the additional operating lever16, the electrical switch 34, the wireless communication unit 48, theinforming unit 54, and the power supply 56. Similarly to the bicycleoperating device 10 of the first embodiment, the electrical switch 34 isdisposed at the base member 12. Each of the wireless communication unit48, the informing unit 54, and the power supply 56 is disposed on thebrake operating lever 14.

Unlike the bicycle operating device 10 of the first embodiment, thebicycle operating device 610 further comprise a hydraulic unit 660instead of the cable operating structure 30. The hydraulic unit 660 iscoupled to the brake operating lever 14 to generate a hydraulic pressurein response to a movement of the brake operating lever 14 in the firstdirection D1. Specifically, the hydraulic unit 660 includes a hydrauliccylinder 662, a piston 664, a return spring 665, a piston rod 666, and ahydraulic reservoir 668. The piston 664 is movably disposed in thehydraulic cylinder 662. The hydraulic cylinder 662 and the piston 664define a hydraulic chamber 670. The return spring 665 is provided in thehydraulic chamber 670 to bias the piston 664 toward an initial position.The brake operating lever 14 is coupled to the piston 664 via the pistonrod 666. The hydraulic reservoir 668 is connected to the hydraulicchamber 670. The hydraulic chamber 670 is connected to the bicycle brakeBC1 via a hydraulic hose C61. In this embodiment, the bicycle brake BC1include a hydraulic brake.

With the bicycle operating device 610, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device10 of the first embodiment.

Furthermore, the bicycle operating device 610 further comprises thehydraulic unit 660 coupled to the brake operating lever 14 to generate ahydraulic pressure in response to the movement of the brake operatinglever 14 in the first direction D1. Accordingly, it is possible torespectively operate the bicycle brake BC1 and the electrical bicyclecomponent BC2 using the brake operating lever 14 and the additionaloperating lever 16 via a hydraulic fluid and a wireless communication.

Seventh Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 710 in accordance with a seventh embodimentwill be described below referring to FIGS. 28 and 29. The bicycleoperating device 710 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle operating device 610 except for the base member 12.Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those in theabove embodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not bedescribed and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIG. 28, the bicycle operating device 710 comprises a basemember 712, the brake operating lever 14, the additional operating lever16, the electrical switch 34, the wireless communication unit 48, theinforming unit 54, and the power supply 56. The electrical switch 34 isdisposed at the base member 712. The base member 712 has substantiallythe same structure as that of the base member 12 of the first or seventhembodiment. However, the bicycle operating device 710 is configured tobe mounted to a bull horn handlebar H7 provided as the handlebar H. Thebull horn handlebar H7 can also be referred to as the handlebar H7.

The base member 712 includes a first end portion 712A and a second endportion 712B. The first end portion 712A is configured to be coupled tothe handlebar H7 in a mounting state where the bicycle operating device710 is mounted to the handlebar H7. The second end portion 712B isopposite to the first end portion 712A. The brake operating lever 14 ismovably coupled to the second end portion 712B. However, the first endportion 712A is configured to be coupled to a bar end H71 of thehandlebar H7 in the mounting state.

As seen in FIG. 29, the base member 712 includes a mounting hole 713disposed at the first end portion 712A. The bar end H71 of the handlebarH7 is disposed in the mounting hole 713. The hydraulic unit 660 is atleast partly disposed in the bar end H71 of the handlebar H7. The cableoperating structure 30 of the bicycle operating device 10 can be appliedto the bicycle operating device 710 instead of the hydraulic unit 660.

With the bicycle operating device 710, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device610 of the sixth embodiment.

Furthermore, the first end portion 712A is configured to be coupled tothe bar end H71 of the handlebar H7 in the mounting state. Accordingly,it is possible to utilize the bicycle operating device 710 as a bar-endoperating device.

MODIFICATIONS

Other arrangements of the informing unit 54 and the power supply 56 canbe combined with the arrangements of the wireless communication unit 48described in the above embodiments.

FIG. 32 shows arrangements of the informing unit 54 and the power supply56. FIGS. 33 to 38 show combinations of the arrangements of theinforming unit 54 and the power supply 56.

In FIG. 32, the informing unit 54X indicates that the informing unit 54is disposed at the additional operating lever 16. The informing unit 54Yindicates that the informing unit 54 is disposed at the brake operatinglever 14. The informing unit 54Z indicates that the informing unit 54 isdisposed at the base member 12. The power supply 56X indicates that thepower supply 56 is disposed at the additional operating lever 16. Thepower supply 56Y indicates that the power supply 56 is disposed at thebrake operating lever 14. The power supply 56Z indicates that the powersupply 56 is disposed at the base member 12.

In FIGS. 33 to 38, each circle indicates the arrangement of eachelement. As seen in FIG. 33, the combination of the wirelesscommunication unit 48X, the informing unit 54X, and the power supply 56Xcorresponds to each of the second and fourth embodiments. As seen inFIG. 35, the combination of the wireless communication unit 48Y, theinforming unit 54Y, and the power supply 56Y corresponds to each of thefirst, third, sixth, and seventh embodiments. As seen in FIG. 37, thecombination of the wireless communication unit 48Z, the informing unit54Z, and the power supply 56Z corresponds to the fifth embodiment.

As seen in FIGS. 33 to 38, the informing unit 54 can be disposed at oneof the base member 12, the brake operating lever 14, and the additionaloperating lever 16. The informing unit 54 can be disposed at both thebrake operating lever 14 and the additional operating lever 16. Theinforming unit 54 can be disposed at both the base member 12 and theadditional operating lever 16. The informing unit 54 can be disposed atboth the base member 12 and the brake operating lever 14. Furthermore,the informing unit 54 can be disposed at all of the base member 12, thebrake operating lever 14, and the additional operating lever 16. Thesame can be applied to the arrangement of the power supply 56. Each ofmodifications M1-1 to M1-48, M2-1 to M2-48, and M3-1 to M3-48 can beapplied to the bicycle operating device of the present application.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from thepresent disclosure that the above embodiments can be at least partlycombined with each other.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part”, “element”, “body” and“structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement”, and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of”, as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

1. A bicycle operating device comprising: a base member; a brakeoperating lever pivotally coupled to the base member in a firstdirection; an additional operating lever pivotally coupled to one of thebase member and the brake operating lever in a second direction and in athird direction different from the first direction and the seconddirection; an electrical switch to provide an electric signal inresponse to a movement of the additional operating lever in the thirddirection, the electrical switch being disposed at the base member; anda wireless communication unit connected to the electrical switch totransmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal.
 2. The bicycleoperating device according to claim 1, wherein the wirelesscommunication unit is disposed at one of the base member, the brakeoperating lever, and the additional operating lever.
 3. The bicycleoperating device according to claim 1, wherein the additional operatinglever includes an actuation part disposed to face the electrical switchto press the electrical switch in response to the movement of theadditional operating lever in the third direction relative to the basemember.
 4. The bicycle operating device according to claim 3, whereinthe actuation part includes a projection to face the electrical switch.5. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a cable operating structure coupled to the brake operatinglever to move a mechanical control cable in response to a movement ofthe brake operating lever relative to the base member.
 6. The bicycleoperating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a hydraulicunit coupled to the brake operating lever to generate a hydraulicpressure in response to a movement of the brake operating lever relativeto the base member.
 7. The bicycle operating device according to claim1, further comprising: an informing unit disposed on at least one of thebase member, the brake operating lever, and the additional operatinglever.
 8. The bicycle operating device according to claim 7, wherein theinforming unit is connected to the wireless communication unit to informa user of a status of the wireless communication unit.
 9. The bicycleoperating device according to claim 1, wherein the base member includesa first end portion configured to be coupled to a handlebar in amounting state where the bicycle operating device is mounted to thehandlebar, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion,and the brake operating lever is pivotally coupled to the second endportion.
 10. The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, whereinthe first end portion includes a mounting surface having a curved shapecorresponding to a drop-down handlebar.
 11. The bicycle operating deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein the base member includes a grip portionarranged between the first end portion and the second end portion. 12.The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein the secondend portion includes a pommel portion.
 13. The bicycle operating deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein the first end portion is configured to becoupled to a bar end of the handlebar in the mounting state.
 14. Thebicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein the brakeoperating lever is pivotable relative to the base member between a firstrest position and a first operated position, and the additionaloperating lever is at least partially closer to the first end portionthan the brake operating lever in a rest state where the brake operatinglever is at the first rest position.
 15. The bicycle operating deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the second direction is different from thefirst direction.
 16. The bicycle operating device according to claim 15,wherein the brake operating lever is pivotable relative to the basemember about a first pivot axis in the first direction, the additionaloperating lever is pivotable relative to the base member about a secondpivot axis in the second direction, and the second pivot axis isnon-parallel to the first pivot axis.
 17. The bicycle operating deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the additional operating lever ispivotally coupled to the base member.
 18. The bicycle operating deviceaccording to claim 17, wherein the wireless communication unit isdisposed at one of the brake operating lever and the additionaloperating lever.
 19. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1,wherein the additional operating lever is pivotally coupled to the brakeoperating lever.
 20. The bicycle operating device according to claim 19,wherein the wireless communication unit is disposed at one of the basemember, the brake operating lever, and the additional operating lever.21. The bicycle operating device according to claim 16, wherein theadditional operating lever is pivotable relative to the base memberabout a third pivot axis in a third direction, and the third pivot axisis non-parallel to the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis. 22.The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, further comprising: apower supply connected to at least one of the electrical switch and thewireless communication unit.
 23. The bicycle operating device accordingto claim 22, wherein the power supply is disposed on at least one of thebase member, the brake operating lever, and the additional operatinglever.